Category: Just Because

Language of Friendship Has No Words

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I have two girlfriends that I have known for almost 17 years, Pam and Carmel.  We worked together for at least 5 of those years and we were like the three muskateers.  We often went to lunch together and made memories to last a lifetime.  As our lives evolved so did our friendship.  I was accepted to active duty in the Air Force after 16 years in the Reserves.  Carmel retired and moved to Florida to be with her first love, golf… Pam, well she stayed behind to eventually retire and now gives back to her community through volunteering.

The three of us live our dreams, keep eachother close to our hearts, and treasure the moments we can spend together.  We are living proof that friendship isn’t about words, but meanings… just like the words on this card.  Real friends pick up where they left off after long periods of absense.  I love you Pam and Carmel.

For this card I used three of my favorite colors… funny thing, they’re all my favorite colors… hahaha.  Just like my friendship with Pam and Carmel, I think these colors compliment eachother very well then if they were used individually.  I just had another thought… stamping with friends is better than stamping alone… LoL.  Now that’s a random thought.

DO YOU FIND YOURSELF STAMPING ALONE?:  Well, be alone no more.  Join my Circle of Pals and connect with an even larger group after joining.  There are many benefits in joining my Circle of Pals.  You choose to what level to take your love of your craft.  Become a hobby stamper (like me) or develop it into your business for additional income doing what you already love!  Either way, it’s your choice.  If you want to join just to get the awesome deal on a kit you design your way… I will help you put it all together to get a bigger BANG for your buck.  Call me at 707-646-1972 or email me (maggie@maggiemadecards.com) if you still find yourself thinking this is too good to be true.

DO YOU HAVE A FRIEND OR FRIENDS YOU TREASURE?:  Share this post with them.  Simply click on the envelope below the post and whala you’ll forward it to them.  Easy right?  I ain’t gonna lie.  If you forward it on, it will make me very happy.  =)

Handmade Card Ingredients

Stamp Set:  Language of Friendship
Paper:  Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Melon Mambo, Wispher White, Pacific Point, Garden Green
Ink Pad:  Pacific Point
Accessories:  Basic Rhinestones, Stitched 1/4″ Grosgrain Ribbon-Pacific Point
Punches:  Bird Builder

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Visit Maggie’s BAZAAR for retired stamp sets.

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An Antique Heartfelt Exchange

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A shout out to all my PRETTY PALS at convention this year in Salt Lake City, Utah!  Wish I could be there, but instead I participated on a one-for-one card exchange with us PRETTY PALS who watch from behind the screen.  Whoever got it… I hope you enjoy it.

I used Real Red for the card base and embossed the Very Vanilla with the embossed Square Lattice folder.  The Antique Brads added the finishing touches.  I wanted the Heartfelt stamp to stand out so I stamped it in Real Red ink and used the Apothecary accents to cut it out.  Leave a comment and let me know if you you like it?

 

Get your reason to smile with a $5.00 stamp set.

Do you have a Stampin’ Up! product wish list that already totals $99?
Take Stampin’ Up! for a Drive Test instead and get a FREE stamp set from me during July.

TWEET us on the move…
Chat with us on FACEBOOK

Get to know me through Blog Updates.
Want to thumb through a paper catalog?  Get yours now!

Looking for retired stamp sets?  Or a one of a kind card?  Visit Maggie’s BAZAAR.

Pals July Blog Hop: Summer Sunshine

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It’s time for some fun in the sun with the Pals!  Glad you could join us for the Pals Summer Sunshine Blog Hop!  You’ve probably hopped over from the fabulously talented Mary Fish, the Pretty Pals Fearless Leader, I’m stop number 10 on the Pals Hop and I’m glad you hopped in!  I’ll help you “hop along” from blog to blog where you’ll find great ideas for summer themed Stampin’ Up! projects from the Stampin’ Pretty Pals!  Should you hop off course, simply click on any of the links in the Pals Hop Line-up below and you’ll be back on track.
 
My project includes not just a card, but a coaster made out of a simple white tile.  It is my first coaster of many more to be made.  We all know that handmade gifts are not just very personal, but they mean the most to the receiver because they were made especially for them.  Taking the time out of our busy day to hand make a special gift will bring tons of joy to the receiver.
I wanted to make the tile exactly the same as the card, but realized that I could not add dimension to the coaster because it would cause the drink to not sit flat on the tile.   I used the First Edition Designer Series Paper, Mixed Bunch & From My Heart stamp sets, with Basic Black, Real Read, Daffodil Delight inks, and used Soft Suede to sponge around the card to give it a slight antique finish.
Now hop along for more inspiring ideas from the fantabulous Angela Curry at Kindred Stampers, stop number 10 on the Pals Summer Sunshine Blog Hop!  Thanks for “hopping” by!

  1. Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn
  2. Barb Furlong at The Love of Stamping
  3. Angie Blake at AngiesMusings
  4. Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter
  5. Marian Kay at All Aboard the Crafting Train
  6. Susan Lankford at Stamp and Scrap With Susan
  7. Shannon Jaramillo at ezpeasycards
  8. Rae Harper at Wild West Paper Arts
  9. Mary Fish at Stampin’ Pretty
  10. Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
  11. Angela Curry at Kindred Stampers
  12. Jen Takacs at Stamped in Full
  13. Kimberly Deacon at Delightful Stampin
  14. Nicole Watt at Impressions By Nicole
  15. Mikki Sarkisyan at Mikki’s Creative Corner
  16. Nicole Picadura at Scraps & Stamps
  17. Nina Dee at Deesigns by Nina Dee
  18. Kim Luithle at Kims Stampin Stuff
  19. Lori Martin at The Rejoicing PaperCrafter
  20. Brian King at Stamp with Brian
  21. Maxine Conrad at Stamp to the Max
  22. Beth Beard at My Little Craft Blog
  23. Kim Czenszak at Live Love Stamp

A School House Friend (FMS #42)

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This weeks Freshly Made Sketches #42 was perfect to use my new Story Time designer series paper.  After completing the card, I was reminded of my childhood best friend, Gabriela Gomez.  I met her on the first day of school in 1st grade and we where like peanut butter & jelly.  She was wearing a yellow chaffon dress patiently waiting for our teacher Ms. McCarthy.  Gaby went home to be with our Heavenly Father seven years later and I still miss her to this day.  Kenny Chesney reminds me of Gaby every time I hear his song, ‘Who You’d You Be Today.’

FUND RAISER FOR AUSTIN MOORE:  A little boy in my community is fighting leukemia.  You can read about him on his Facebook.  A local company is sponsoring a CHRISTMAS IN JULY for Austin Moore Fundraiser on July 14th at the Courtyard by Marriott in Vacaville, California.  I will also contribute by donating ALL profits for any Stampin’ Up! purchases made through me during the month of July.

TO PLACE YOUR FUND RAISER ORDER:

  1. Call me (707-646-1972), email me directly with your order, browse though the catalog, or shop on-line directly.
  2. ALL profits during the month of July will go directly to Austin Moore’s family to help with medical costs.

CARD CLASS:  TWO seats left my friends.  If you live in Solano, Sacramento, or Yolo Counties… and want to have an hour of fun making a FREE card while learning basic card making techniques… sign up now.

MY DIGITAL STUDIO:  The new download is here… see it now by clicking here.  If you don’t have MDS, download it for a 30-day free trial.

MAGGIE MADE TIPS:  The actual stamp has a little girl next to the little boy.  I covered the little girl with tape and inked up the boy.  Before stamping it, I peeled the tape off and only used the little boy.

Handmade Card Ingredients

Stamp Set:  Greeting Card Kids
Paper:  Story Time, So Saffron, Real Red, Water Color Paper, Basic Gray
Ink Pad:  Basic Black, Real Red
Ribbon:  Daffodil Delight Seam Binding Ribbon
Punches: Word Window Punch

TWEET us on the move…
Chat with us on FACEBOOK

Get to know me through Blog Updates.
Want to thumb through a paper catalog?  Get yours now!

Looking for one of a kind cards or an almost new stamp?  Visit Maggie’s BAZAAR.

If you are reading this… you are AWESOME!
Thank you with my whole heart for scrolling down this far.
YOU are truly appreciated.
If you think this blog is worth reading…
forward to a friend by clicking on envelope icon below.

 

A Faithful Friend

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There is a special friend that I think about everyday.  She came back from a deployment on the other side of the world earlier this year and as many of us have experienced… we are forever changed in one way or another.  When we deploy we change, some a little and some a lot. Everyone changes according to their personal experiences and one is not like the other.  It is neither a good or bad thing… it’s just something that happens.  It’s the hardest thing anyone can imagine and we are often expected to slip back into life and assume nothing has changed.  My friend is special to me and I want her to know that I understand the changes and that she is my treasured friend.

MAGGIE’S BAZAAR:  As a way to make room for new products from the 2012-13 Stampin’ Up! Catalog, I am selling my retired stamp sets.  Most of the stamp sets are slighlty used and in extremely excellant condition.  Shipping is free for all items and they are non-refundable.  Please email me if you have any questions.

There are also some one-of-a-kind cards that are for sale too.  I can hear some of my friends saying, “Finally!  I can buy a card from Maggie!”  =)  Thank you for the awesome compliment.  I will post them for sale as I make them, but not all will be sold since I make the majority of my cards as personal cards to give away.

FRIDAY CARD CAMP:  Date change… because many have the middle of the week off for Fourth of July, I have pushed the date back to Friday, July 13, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.  I have THREE seats left.  Please email me right away if you want a seat.

Handmade Card Ingredients

Stamp Set:  Lean on Me (122285)
Paper:  Verry Vanilla (101650); Soft Suade (115318); Comfort Cafe Designer Series Paper (126898)
Ink Pad:  Soft Suede (115657)

Received a Beautiful Card

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I received the most beautiful card in the mail today.  As many of you know, I signed up to a monthly Stampin’ Up! only card swap on Facebook and although I have received many other beautiful cards, I have decided to start sharing some of them on my blog as of today.  It’s great to share what you love through card swaps.  Not to mention the wonderful friendships you make along the way.  =)

This card was designed by Heather Petsche.  After reading the sweet note she wrote, I learned that we have two things in common!  The Military and Card Making… Yay!  My TWO favorite things in the whole-wide world.  Sweeeeeet!  Heather started stamping while she was stationed overseas and has been doing it ever since.  She has branched out and now makes her own candles and soaps… I also LOVE them both!  What makes it so sweet is that she uses Stampin’ Up! products with them.

Visit and ‘LIKE’ her on Facebook.
She doesn’t have a blog (yet), so please leave her a comment here letting her know how beautiful her card is.

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A Blossom Flower for You!

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I absolutely love the new In-Colors!  They are bright, bold, and they coordinate perfectly!  I began with the thought of making a clean and simple birthday card, but ended up using two punches and the banner framelits.  It is still simple, but added extra items that gave the card a little more dimension and pow.  I could use the card as a ‘Just Because’ or even as a ‘Birthday’  card.  I cannot wait to put it in the mail. =)

To make the vase I used the Petite Pennants punch and cut the tops off.  The melon mambo adds depth and dimenstion to the tempting turquoise cardstock layered together.  One of the main reasons why I joined Stampin’ Up! was because of the ease of coordination of all their paper.

FREE PAPER in JUNE:  This month only, the $99 Starter Kit not only comes with fully customizable products, you’ll also get products from the brand-new Patio Party Suite for FREE, including the Make a Cake Set, Patio Party Designer Series Paper, and the Patio Party Digital Collection DVD!  That’s up to $48 in additional FREE products!  Learn more about taking a Test Drive.

Handmade Card Ingredients

Stamp Set:  Bright Blossoms (125497), Itty Bitty Banners (126257)
Paper:  Patio Party DSP (126916), Summer Starfruit (126839), Tempting Turquoise (102067), Melon Mambo (115320)
Ink Pad:  Gumball Green (126861)
Make it Pop:  Pearl Basic Jewels (119247), Large Pearl Basic Jewels (125577)
Punches:  Boho Blossoms (119858), Petite Pennants (122361)
Framelits: Bitty Banners (129267)

A Retirement Hug with Pals Paper Arts #135

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I made this card for a friend in mind who is deployed  at the moment.  I felt the wonderful hug tells a story without requiring a sentiment.  Time is quickly coming for the retirement of this stamp and the paper.  It instantly became my favorite and I know another will quickly replace it. =)

The hug is a sweet send off as this stamp officially retires as of June 1st and it’s perfect for the last Pals Paper Arts card challenge for the month of May.  I hope you are lucky enough to buy it before it goes away.  Click on the tree below to check out the remaining items on this year’s retirement list.

CLICK ON CARD TO GO TO PALS PAPER ARTS CHALLENGE

If you haven’t had a chance to look at the RETIRING ACCESSORIES or RETIRING STAMPS, click on each item, print them out and grab your laptop and open up the catalog.  Then sit back in your comfy chair or sofa with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and take a look at the items retiring on May 31st.  Enjoy!


Handmade Card Ingredients

Stamp Set:  RETIRING The Nicest Things
Paper:  RETIRING Cheerful Treat, Whisper White
Ink Pad:  Basic Black

Can’t Get Enough Card Challenges… PPA 133

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Clean and Simple (CAS)… Webster’s Dictionary has my cards next to that definition.  I also love cards that are made with all the bells and whistles, but my taste is CAS.  It’s not about making cards like others, it’s about making cards that are your style.

No other card challenge helps me achieve my CAS style, but Pals Paper Arts.  I know there are many CAS card lovers out there too.  Let me know what your style is by leaving a comment at the end of this post.  I love to hear about what you like.

Join in on the fun and make something out of the sketch.  These are they’re rules:

Rules for the Runway:

=>  Use ANY brand of products to create your card or papercraft project.
=>  Entry should be new and inspired, totally or partially, by this challenge
=>  Inlinkz will close at Noon (CST) Thursday, April 26th.
=>  We’ll announce our Pals Paper Artist Picks Tuesday, May 1st.
=>  Have a blast putting your card together… and good luck!
=>  Upload your card on the PPA Blog

I added tiny flowers using the Itty Bitty Punch Set.  It put a little bit of dimension onto the Cheerful Treats Designer Series Paper.

CLICK ON TREE TO WINDOW SHOP STAMPIN’ UP! PRODUCTS 24/7

Handmade Card Ingredients

Stamp Set:  Loving Thoughts (125845)
Paper:  Cheerful Treats (122381), Wisteria Wonder (122922)
Ink Pad:  Melon Mambo (115656)
Make it Pop:  Basic Pearls (119247)
Punches: Itty Bitty Shapes (118309), 2 1/2″ Circle

Sign Me Up to Receive a FREE Stampin’ Up! 2012-2013 Catalog

Freshly Made Sketches #31

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This card has two meanings for me.  First, I think of ALL my friends who are serving in the military and are deployed for months away from their families.  Everyday I pray for their safety and safe return home.  Second, although there are tons of card challenges out there… my thoughts are always with Freshly Made Sketches.

CLICK TO GO TO FRESHLY MADE SKETCHES

To make my card I turned it around and used my 2 1/2″ cirle punch through the paper and stamped my image on the Very Vanilla colored base paper.  The red ribbon adds a splash of color and brings the clean and simple card to life.  Three brads to the bottom right of the image add a cute sparkle too.

CLICK TO VISIT RETIRING PRODUCTS

Don’t forget about the stamp sets that will be put into retirement on May 31, 2012.  They are only available while supplies last.

CLICK ON TREE TO WINDOW SHOP STAMPIN’ UP! PRODUCTS 24/7

Handmade Card Ingredients

Stamp Set:  Lean on Me (122285)
Paper:  Very Vanilla (101650), Patterns Stack – Neutrals Collection (117157)
Ink Pad:  Jet Black Stazon Pad (101406)
Ribbon: Use Real Red 5/8″ Satin Ribbon (117286)
Punches:  2 1/2″ Circle (120906)

Sign Me Up to Receive a FREE Stampin’ Up! 2012-2013 Catalog